Who says porridge has to be boring? Here are 10 ideas to upgrade your morning porridge - from adding beetroot to peanut butter

<p>Cold autumn mornings call for a hearty, warming breakfast and there&rsquo;s nothing quite like a bowl of comforting <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/homemade-porridge" target="_blank">porridge</a> to do the job.</p><p>A piping hot bowl fortifies you from the inside out; it&rsquo;s extra protection against whatever Mother Nature has in store outside, and it will keep you feeling full for hours.</p><p>When you add something sweet to your morning porridge, whether that's honey, fruit, <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/triple-berry-compote-with-porridge" target="_blank">homemade berry compote</a> or even a little peanut butter, it can also help prevent sweet cravings later in the afternoon.</p><p>But who says porridge has to be boring? Here are 10 ideas to upgrade your breakfast routine.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/20_csWDVZL/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Lorna Jane South Africa (@lornajanesa)</a> on <time datetime="2015-05-18T15:17:14+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 18, 2015 at 8:17am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><h2>1. Raid your food cupboard</h2><p>Why limit your <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/lemon%20curd" target="_blank">lemon curd</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/peanut%20butter?cmpid=ahc-_-ghs-_-asdacom-_-hp-_-search-peanut-butter" target="_blank">peanut butter</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/jam" target="_blank">jams</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/marmelade" target="_blank">marmalades</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/Chocolate%20spread" target="_blank">chocolate spreads</a> to toast?</p><p>Stir in a spoonful of lemon curd for a refreshing zing, some peanut butter for some creamy nutty comfort, or a little strawberry jam to sweeten things.</p><script async defer src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/253679391485879237/"></a></p><p>In fact, you could make a peanut butter and jam porridge, or your own healthy snickers bowl with a spoonful of peanut butter and some chocolate stirred in.</p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/21884748167799680/"></a></p><h2>2. Get inspired by cakes and bakes</h2><p>Make a carrot cake inspired <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/porridge%20oats" target="_blank">porridge</a> by adding grated carrots and winter spices like <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/spices/asda-ground-ginger/23489" target="_blank">ground ginger</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/spices/asda-ground-nutmeg/414516" target="_blank">nutmeg</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/spices/asda-ground-cinnamon/23491" target="_blank">cinnamon</a> to create the ultimate winter bowl.</p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/48343395978082012/"></a></p><p>You could also recreate an apple pie in porridge form; combine <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/porridge%20oats" target="_blank">porridge oats</a> with chopped <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/apple" target="_blank">apple</a>, cinnamon and nutmeg and heat it all up in a pan to let the flavours combine.</p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/537898749221022556/"></a></p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/21884748162361941/"></a></p><h2>3. Use vegetables</h2><p>Get creative with vegetables and experiment with different flavours. Why not add a cup of grated <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/radish-cress-beetroot/asda-growers-selection-cooked-beetroot/43333973" target="_blank">beetroot</a> to your pan of porridge next time?</p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/64950419605511371/"></a></p><h2>4. Porridge pear-fection</h2><p>Bored of apples and berries? Top your porridge with grated <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/pear" target="_blank">pear</a>, a pinch of cinnamon and nuts instead.</p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/87046205276004961/"></a></p><h2>5. Rhubarb crumble</h2><p>We know that rhubarb and oats work well together for <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/fruit-pies-crumbles/asda-bakers-selection-rhubarb-crumble/1000000394076" target="_blank">rhubarb crumble</a>, so why wouldn't they work together in a bowl of cooked oats? Try stewing your porridge with <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/pears-rhubarb/asda-growers-selection-rhubarb/442414" target="_blank">rhubarb</a>, or top porridge with a <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/jams-preserves/bonne-maman-rhubarb-conserve/910002541953" target="_blank">rhubarb conserve</a> or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/tinned-fruit/asda-chosen-by-you-rhubarb-in-light-syrup/36710" target="_blank">rhubarb in syrup</a>.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/32sE7xgZPG/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Bon Bon (@sonyakateharris)</a> on <time datetime="2015-06-13T03:37:50+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 12, 2015 at 8:37pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><h2>6. Naughty and nice</h2><p>For the ultimate naughty and nice start to the day, swap porridge oats for <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cous-cous-quinoa-bulgar-wheat/asda-good-balanced-quinoa/910001794224" target="_blank">quinoa</a> for a healthy twist, but balance it out by adding <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/coconut%20milk?cmpid=ahc-_-ghs-_-asdacom-_-hp-_-search-coconut-milk" target="_blank">coconut milk</a> and some <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/cocoa%20powder" target="_blank">cocoa powder</a> or a little bit of melted dark chocolate. It's a great way to get kids to eat quinoa too!</p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/9007267982049518/"></a></p><h2>7. Porridge smoothie</h2><p>Can't decide whether to make a breakfast smoothie or a bowl of porridge? Combine the two to make a fruity oatmeal smoothie bowl!</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLDjg-KBkkr/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Line Franzen (@skjoedsholm)</a> on <time datetime="2016-10-02T09:29:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 2, 2016 at 2:29am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><h2>8. Banana pecan pie</h2><p>Use half a cup of amaranth (similar to quinoa) instead of porridge oats, and combine it with a cup of water, a pinch of salt, some <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/treacle-syrup/asda-chosen-by-you-pure-canadian-maple-syrup/910001366147" target="_blank">maple syrup</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/seed-nut-oil/asda-walnut-oil/56832905" target="_blank">walnut oil</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/spices/asda-ground-cinnamon/23491" target="_blank">cinnamon</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/bananas/asda-growers-selection-loose-banana-order-by-number-of-bananas-or-select-kg/20332" target="_blank">bananas</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/nuts-seeds-dried-fruit/asda-good-balanced-pecans/910001702212" target="_blank">pecan pieces</a> to recreate the flavour of a sweet and nutty banana and pecan pie or our <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/sweet-treats/asda-bakers-selection-maple-pecan-plait/910000057038" target="_blank">maple and pecan plait</a>.</p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/526499012659458460/"></a></p><h2>9. Coconut porridge</h2><p>Did you know that you can soak porridge oats overnight with practically anything? You could soak them in <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/smoothies-veg-juice/asda-good-balanced-orange-carrot-juice/910001967970" target="_blank">carrot juice</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/smoothies-veg-juice/asda-good-balanced-apple-beetroot-blackcurrant-juice/910001967532" target="_blank">beetroot juice</a>, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/almond%20milk" target="_blank">almond milk</a>, whatever tickles your fancy! But one of the best combinations is by soaking the oats in <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/search/coconut%20milk" target="_blank">coconut milk</a>, as it gives a sweet, nutty creaminess.</p><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/523825000390249277/"></a></p><h2>10. Vanilla buckwheat porridge</h2><p>A delicious and easy porridge alternative for any busy morning, this creamy vanilla and cinnamon buckwheat porridge ticks all the boxes (and even though its called 'buckwheat',  it's actually gluten free).</p><p>Combine a cup of raw and rinsed buckwheat with a cup of full-fat coconut milk, 1 banana, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup and of course some vanilla essence or vanilla bean paste. Dreamy!</p><script async defer src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><p><a data-pin-do="embedPin" data-pin-width="large" data-pin-terse="true" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/355080751853824931/"></a></p>

How to pimp your porridge for a hearty start to the day

By Asda Good Living,17th October 2016

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